Helmet safety lighting system

ABSTRACT

An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of the U.S.Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/392,768, filed on Dec. 28, 2016,titled “Helmet Safety Lighting System,” now pending, which was based on,claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference in itsentirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/378,645, filedon Aug. 23, 2016, and entitled “Helmet Safety Lighting System and Methodfor Same.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to helmet safety lightingsystem, and more specifically to a helmet with a light enclosed in aback panel of the helmet with a diffuser.

BACKGROUND

Protective headgear and helmets have wide uses. Some helmets includebright or conspicuous elements designed to make the user more visible tonearby motorists or others. Many existing lighting elements for helmetsare small because large lighting elements typically require largeamounts of power and space for power sources within helmets and, as aresult, reduce the space available for protective materials orundesirably enlarge the helmet.

It would be desirable to have a helmet safety lighting system havinghigher visibility illuminated by the lighting elements and, in meantime, requiring less power and space for the power sources.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an illuminable helmet assemblymay comprise a helmet body comprising an outer shell, an energymanagement layer inside the outer shell and a fit system within theenergy management layer and coupled to the helmet body, a diffusercoupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser comprisingan illumination surface, the illumination surface comprising an outerperimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extendinginward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body, anda light source positioned adjacent to and outside of the outer perimeterand the footprint of the illumination surface, and positioned to emitlight toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to theillumination surface.

Particular embodiments of the disclosure may comprise one or more of thefollowing features. At least one cavity may be recessed into an outersurface of the helmet body, wherein the light source is placed in the atleast one cavity. The diffuser may be positioned to cover the at leastone cavity. Retroreflective surfaces may be positioned on at least oneof the at least one cavity and the diffuser, wherein the retroreflectivesurfaces are configured to display at least one of a light pattern and auniform distribution of the light on the illumination surface. A topshell may be coupled to the helmet body and cover a majority of theillumination surface, wherein a portion of the top shell covering theillumination surface is translucent. The light source may be positionedat an angle with respect to the illumination surface of from 0 to 20degrees. The diffuser may be a wave guide comprising a front surface, arear surface, and an edge surface extending between the front surfaceand the rear surface, wherein the light source is positioned to emit atleast a portion of the light into the edge surface of the diffuser. Theilluminated areas of the diffuser may be constructed of a translucentmaterial. The light source may comprise at least one of a light-emittingdiode and an incandescent light. A light sensor may be electricallycoupled to the light source, wherein the light source is turned on whenthe light sensor detects ambient light of the helmet body falls below afirst predetermined level, and is turned off when the light sensordetects the ambient light exceeds a second predetermined level. Thelight source may be configured to emit the light in at least one ofmodes and patterns selected by a user.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an illuminable helmetassembly, comprises a helmet body, a diffuser coupled to an outersurface of the helmet body, the diffuser comprising an illuminationsurface, the illumination surface comprising an outer perimeter anddefining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward fromthe illumination surface to a center of the helmet body, and a lightsource positioned adjacent to and outside of the outer perimeter and thefootprint of the illumination surface, and positioned to emit lighttoward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illuminationsurface.

Particular embodiments of the disclosure may comprise one or more of thefollowing features. At least one cavity may be recessed into an outersurface of the helmet body, wherein the light source is placed in the atleast one cavity. A top shell may be coupled to the helmet body andcovering a majority of the illumination surface, wherein a portion ofthe top shell covering the illumination surface is translucent. Thelight source may be positioned to emit the light at an angle withrespect to the illumination surface of from 0 to 20 degrees. Thediffuser may be a wave guide comprising a front surface, a rear surface,and an edge surface extending between the front surface and the rearsurface, wherein the light source is positioned to emit at least aportion of the light into the edge surface of the diffuser. The lightsource may comprise at least one of a light-emitting diode and anincandescent light. A light sensor may be electrically coupled to thelight source, wherein the light source is turned on when the lightsensor detects ambient light of the helmet body falls below a firstpredetermined level, and is turned off when the light sensor detects theambient light exceeds a second predetermined level. Retroreflectivesurfaces may be positioned on at least one of the at least one cavityand the diffuser, wherein the retroreflective surfaces are configured todisplay at least one of a light pattern and a uniform distribution ofthe light on the illumination surface. The light source may beconfigured to emit the light in at least one of modes and patternsselected by a user.

Aspects, embodiments and applications of the disclosure presented hereare described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographersif desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers,to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further,expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explainhow it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clearstatements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is theinventors' intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaningto the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification andclaims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, such noun, term, orphrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms,or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of Englishgrammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, ormodifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be giventheir plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112, 552 6 are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, orthat perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1A is a rear view of an illuminable helmet assembly worn by abiker;

FIG. 1B is a left rear perspective view of an illuminable helmetassembly worn by a biker;

FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of an illuminable helmetassembly;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illuminable helmetassembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an illuminable helmet assembly;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an illuminable helmet assemblyshowing cavities in the helmet body;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an illuminable helmet assembly witha diffuser being placed in a diffuser cavity;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illuminable helmetassembly showing light emitted from a light source;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an illuminable helmetassembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a light module configured for use in anilluminable helmet assembly;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an illuminable helmet assemblyshowing a top shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Protective headgear and helmets have been used in a wide variety ofapplications and across a number of industries, including recreation,sports, athletics, construction, mining, and military defense, toprevent damage to users' heads and brains. Damage and injury to a usercan be prevented or reduced by preventing hard objects, sharp objects,or both, from directly contacting the user's head, and also fromabsorbing, distributing, or otherwise managing energy of an impactbetween the object and the user's head. Straps or webbing are typicallyused to allow a user to releasably wear their helmet, and to ensure thehelmet remains on the user's head during an impact.

Helmets function to provide protection while minimizing interferencewith an activity. The shape of a helmet may be adapted to provide bothprotection and comfort (e.g. ventilation and size). Some helmets aremade of two or more bodies of energy-absorbing material to form shapesthat would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve in a singlemolded piece.

Various implementations and embodiments of protective helmets accordingto this disclosure comprise a protective shell. The protective shell canbe made of an energy absorbing material, such as expanded polystyrene(EPS), expanded polyurethane (EPU), expanded polyolefin (EPO), expandedpolypropylene (EPP), or other suitable material. The energy absorbingmaterial can be part of a hard-shell helmet such as skate buckethelmets, motorcycle helmets, snow sport helmets, football helmets,batting helmets, catcher's helmets, or hockey helmets, and include anadditional outer protective shell disposed outside, or over, theprotective shell. In hard shell applications, the energy absorbingmaterial can comprise one or more layers of EPP and provide moreflexibility than available with conventional in-molded helmets.Alternatively, the energy absorbing material can be part of an in-moldedhelmet such as bicycle helmet or cycling helmet. As an energy-absorbinglayer in an in-molded helmet, the protective shell can comprise rigidmaterials such as EPS and EPU. An outer shell layer, such as a layer ofstamped polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a polycarbonate shell, canbe included on an outer surface of the protective shell of the helmetand be bonded directly to the expanding foam (e.g. EPS as it isexpanding such that the foam is molded in the shell).

Contemplated as part of this disclosure is a protective helmet having alight source positioned to illuminate a diffuser. Specifically, adiffuser is positioned immediately adjacent to or near a light source sothat the light emitted by the light source strikes the diffuser andthereby illuminates at least a portion of the diffuser.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmetassembly 100 that includes a diffuser 102 (shown illuminated inred/orange). The diffuser 102 is illuminated by a light source(positioned near the top of the diffuser 102) and coupled to the helmetbody 104 that includes an energy absorbing material. As shown, theilluminable diffuser may be positioned at the back of the user's headand have a large rectilinear shape. The diffuser is “illuminable”because a user may choose to conserve battery power of the light moduleby only illuminating the diffuser in dark or other conditions. Inparticular embodiments, the diffuser may be positioned at more oralternative locations on the helmet and the diffuser may havealternative shapes or designs.

FIG. 2 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assembly100 in a rear perspective view, and FIG. 3 depicts a non-limitingexample of an illuminable helmet assembly 100 in a partialcross-sectional view. An illuminable helmet assembly 100 may comprise ahelmet body 104, a diffuser 102, and a light source 210. The lightsource 210 may be housed in a light module 202. The helmet body 104 maycomprise an outer shell 106, an energy management layer 110 inside theouter shell 106, and a fit system 108 used to adjust the fitting of thehelmet on the wearer's head. Fit systems are well known in the art andany fit system known in the art is acceptable for use with the presentlydisclosed embodiments. The light source may be a light-emitting diode(LED), an incandescent light, or other light source capable of low poweroperation. The light module 202 may further comprise an on/off button206 and a power port 208 (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) powerport). The light module 202 is positioned adjacent to the diffuser 102.The assembly 100 may further comprise a top shell 204, including atleast a translucent portion configured to cover the majority of thediffuser 102. In some embodiments, the outer shell and the top shell maybe one piece that serves as the outer shell of the helmet body and, inthe meantime, as a top shell covering the majority of the diffuser.

FIG. 4 depicts a non-limiting example of an exploded view of anilluminable helmet assembly 100. A diffuser 102 couples to a helmet bodyand is positioned adjacent to a light source. The light source is partof the light module 202, which also has a battery or other power sourceto power the light source. A top shell 204 may couple to the helmet andcover the majority of the diffuser (e.g., using adhesives 410 or othercouplers or fasteners). The illuminable helmet assembly may also includevarious other helmet elements and features depending on the intended useof the illuminable helmet assembly. For example, the illuminable helmetassembly may include a helmet body that comprises an outer shell 106, anenergy management system 110 such as a liner or a multi-directionalimpact protection system (MIPS), and a fit system 108. The helmet bodymay further comprise sliders 408 or a retractable shield 402. Additionalelements and features common to helmets may be added to the illuminablehelmet assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assembly100 in a rear perspective view, according to various embodiments. Thehelmet and/or the energy absorbing material may include one or morecavities 502 and 504 or voids shaped to house the light module or thediffuser. In certain embodiments, the diffuser covers the diffusercavity. In various embodiments, a diffuser cavity 504 (also shown inFIG. 7) has sufficient depth to allow light emitting from the lightsource to hit at least the majority of the diffuser. The diffuser cavitymay have a depth and shape configured to not obstruct the path of lightfrom the light source to the diffuser. The light module cavity 502 mayhave a depth sufficient to house the light module 202.

FIG. 6 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assembly100 in a rear perspective view, according to various embodiments. Thediffuser 102 may couple to the helmet body with clips, couplers,adhesives, snap fit in place, or other fasteners. In the non-limitingexample as shown in FIG. 6, the diffuser is coupled to the helmet bodywith brackets 602. The diffuser may be shaped in any variety ofrectilinear, curvilinear, or irregular shapes. The illuminated areas ofthe diffuser may be constructed of a translucent material (e.g.,polymers, thermoplastics, and thermosets). The illuminated areas of thediffuser may be white, milky-white, somewhat opaque, or may be a coloredor tinted (but translucent) plastic or other material. Some embodimentsmay use two or more diffusers, which may be illuminated by a singlelight source or by multiple light sources (not shown).

FIG. 7 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assembly100 in a partial cross-sectional view. The diffuser 102 has anillumination surface. The illumination surface may be the rear surface706 of the diffuser 102. The illumination surface comprises an outerperimeter and defines a footprint of the illumination surface extendinginward from the illumination surface to the center of the helmet body.The light source 210 is positioned adjacent to the diffuser andconfigured to emit light 702 towards and illuminate the diffuser 102. Insome embodiments, the light source is positioned to primarily directlight in a near-parallel orientation (e.g., within 3-25° off ofparallel) with respect to the illumination surface of the diffuser. Asshown, a light 702 emitted in a near-parallel orientation to thediffuser 102 permits the light of the light source 210 to spread outover a large area of the diffuser and produce a large and glowing light.In some embodiments, the light source is positioned at an angle of acuteangles, 3-60°, 3-45°, 3-30°, or 3-20° with respect to the illuminationsurface of the diffuser 102.

If one or more LEDs are used as the light source, the angle used hereinis the angle between the direction of the LEDs' light having the maximumluminous intensity and the illumination surface of the diffuser. Theangle between a line and a surface is the angle between the line and theprojection of the line onto the tangent of the surface at theintersection point of the line with the surface; if the line and thesurface are extended to infinity and still do not intersect, the anglebetween them is 0°. If one or more incandescent lights are used as thelight source, one or more reflective or retroreflective structures maybe used to direct the light emitted by the light source, and the angleis the angle of intersection of the line drawn from the light source inthe direction of its maximum illumination and the illumination surfaceof the diffuser. If one or more incandescent lights are used as thelight source but the light emitted from the light source is not directed(meaning it does not have a peak intensity direction or maximumillumination direction), the light source may be placed adjacent to andthe outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illuminationsurface, and the light emitted from the light source may form an angleof acute angles, 3-60°, 3-45°, 3-30°, or 3-20° with the illuminationsurface. When the light source is placed outside of the outer perimeterand the footprint of the illumination surface, a non-uniform bright spotmay be avoided on the illumination surface and, as a result, the helmetand the rider are more visible to others.

FIG. 8 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assemblyin a partial cross-sectional view. In this non-limiting exampleembodiment, light 702 emitted by a light source 210 is directed into anedge surface 704 (extending between the front and rear surfaces of thediffuser) or an entry of the diffuser where the diffuser operates as awave guide (e.g., fiber optic and edge-lit plastics). The diffuser 102is illuminated by guiding the light 702. In some embodiments, thediffuser includes both surface lighting and wave guide lighting toilluminate the diffuser.

In certain embodiments, the diffuser cavity and/or the diffuser includeretroreflective surfaces, prisms, or other light scattering structurespositioned to help scatter the light uniformly or in patterns on thediffuser. In certain embodiments, the diffuser may comprise a whitesurface and diffusely reflect light shined on the white surface.

FIG. 9 depicts a non-limiting example of an exploded view of a lightmodule 202 configured for use in an illuminable helmet assembly. A lightmodule 202 includes a light source positioned adjacent to the diffuserand may include an on/off button 206 to operate the light source 210 anda power port 208 (e.g., a USB or similar port) to allow recharging of abattery housed in the light module. A light module 202 may furthercomprise a housing 904 and a cover 910. As shown, the light module 202includes at least a light source 210 that is directed in a positionsufficient to illuminate the diffuser. The light module may include apower source 906, such as one or more primary batteries, one or moresecondary batteries, a solar array, an AC power outlet or supply, orpower generated by the user's movement. The power source may be housedwithin the light module (as shown) or the power source may be locatedaway from the light module and electrically couple with the light source(e.g., an external battery pack, a solar array, or power generated by acyclist pedaling). The light module may include an on/off button 206 orswitch that allows the user to manually illuminate the light source 210(and thereby the diffuser). The light module may include one or morebuttons or switches allowing a user to select between various operationmodes or blinking patterns (e.g., solid non-blinking, different blinkingrates, different blinking patterns, pulsing, glowing, low to highintensities of light, distress signals, and different colors of lightsources).

In some embodiments, the light module includes a power port where asecondary battery is recharged. The power port may be a USB port orother similar ports that allow a user to plug into the power port acable from an AC to DC power adapter (or other power supply). A chargecontroller or other recharge management circuitry or firmware may becoupled to the power port and secondary battery (and may also be housedin the light module). The power port may include a rubberized protectivecover, flap, or seal that helps keep dirt and moisture from entering thepower port. The power port may be concealed from view by a cover.

In particular embodiments, the light source may be responsive to a lightsensor 205, with a setting associated with the on/off button, toautomatically power the light source on to illuminate the diffuser whenthe ambient light around the helmet falls below a certain low level sothat the user does not need to remember to turn it on at night or in thedark. The light sensor 205 may also power off the light source if theambient light around the helmet exceeds a certain level so that the userdoes not need to remember to turn it off when arriving at a bright area.

FIG. 10 depicts a non-limiting example of an illuminable helmet assembly100 in a rear perspective view, according to various embodiments. Asshown, some embodiments use a top shell 204 that covers the majority ofthe diffuser 102, but allows light from the diffuser 102 to emitoutwards because at least a portion of the top shell 204 covering thediffuser is translucent. The thickness of the top shell over thediffuser may be approximately 0.3-6 mm, 0.5-3 mm, or 0.5-2 mm. In someembodiments, the diffuser may be exposed without a top shell coveringthe diffuser.

In some embodiments, the diffuser 102 is covered by the top shell 204 sothat when the light source is not illuminated, the top shell appears tobe in a uniform color (e.g., black or grey). When the light source isturned on, however, the area of the top shell over the diffuser changescolor to the color of the illuminated diffuser (e.g., the red/orangediffuser of FIGS. 1A-1B). A diffuser may be illuminated in a variety ofdifferent colors using colored lights of the light source, a tinted orcolored diffuser, and/or tinted or colored reflective elements withinthe diffuser cavity.

This disclosure discloses protective headgear, as well as a system andmethod for providing a helmet or protective headgear that, although it'sprimary use may be for cyclists, may be used for a football player,hockey player, baseball player, lacrosse player, polo player, climber,auto racer, motorcycle rider, motocross racer, skier, snowboarder orother snow or water athlete, sky diver or any other athlete,recreational or professional, in a sport. In some embodiments, theilluminable helmet assembly is a helmet configured for use in a sport oractivity in which users engage near motorized vehicles, such as cycling,roller-skating, or skateboarding. In some embodiments, the illuminablehelmet assembly is a helmet configured for use in a sport or activity inwhich users may engage at night or in the dark, such as caving orspelunking, rescue work, cycling, construction work, or mountaineering.

Other non-athlete users such as workers involved in industry, includingwithout limitation construction workers or other workers or persons indangerous work environments can also benefit from the protectiveheadgear described herein, as well as the system and method forproviding the protective headgear. In some embodiments, the illuminablehelmet assembly is a helmet configured for use in a work environmentwhere users are near motorized vehicles, such as construction work, roadbuilding, or warehouse or dock work.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theprinciples of the disclosed methods and systems. The presently-disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative, and not intended to limit the broad aspect of thedisclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Many additional components and manufacturing and assembly proceduresknown in the art or consistent with helmet manufacture are contemplatedfor use with particular implementations in this disclosure. For example,although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementationsand implementing components may comprise any components, models, types,materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the artfor such systems and implementing components, consistent with theintended operation.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of protective helmets, it should be readily apparentthat a number of modifications may be made without departing from thespirit thereof. All changes that come within the meaning of and range ofequivalency of the description are intended to be embraced therein.

The word “exemplary,” “example” or various forms thereof are used hereinto mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect ordesign described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An illuminable helmet assembly, comprising:a helmet body comprising an outer shell, an energy management layerinside the outer shell and a fit system within the energy managementlayer and coupled to the helmet body; a diffuser coupled to an outersurface of the helmet body, the diffuser comprising a front surfacefacing outward, away from the helmet body, and a rear surface oppositethe front surface, the diffuser further comprising an illuminationsurface on the rear surface of the diffuser, the illumination surfaceenclosing and facing at least one cavity of the helmet body recessedinto the outer surface of the helmet body, the illumination surfacecomprising an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of theillumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to acenter of the helmet body; and a light source positioned adjacent to andoutside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illuminationsurface, and positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface onthe rear surface of the diffuser.
 2. The illuminable helmet assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the light source is placed in the at least one cavity.3. The illuminable helmet assembly of claim 2, wherein the diffuser ispositioned to cover the at least one cavity.
 4. The illuminable helmetassembly of claim 3, further comprising retroreflective surfacespositioned on at least one of the at least one cavity and the diffuser,wherein the retroreflective surfaces are configured to display at leastone of a light pattern and a uniform distribution of the light on theillumination surface.
 5. The illuminable helmet assembly of claim 1,further comprising a top shell coupled to the helmet body and covering amajority of the illumination surface, wherein a portion of the top shellcovering the illumination surface is translucent.
 6. The illuminablehelmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is positioned at anangle with respect to the illumination surface of from 3 to 20 degrees.7. The illuminable helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the diffuser is awave guide comprising the front surface, the rear surface, and an edgesurface extending between the front surface and the rear surface,wherein the light source is positioned to emit at least a portion of thelight into the edge surface of the diffuser.
 8. The illuminable helmetassembly of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises at least one ofa light-emitting diode and an incandescent light.
 9. The illuminablehelmet assembly of claim 1, further comprising a light sensorelectrically coupled to the light source, wherein the light source isconfigured to be turned on when the light sensor detects ambient lightof the helmet body falls below a first predetermined level, and isconfigured to be turned off when the light sensor detects the ambientlight exceeds a second predetermined level.
 10. An illuminable helmetassembly comprising: a helmet body including: an outer shell and anenergy management layer, a majority of the energy management layerdisposed inside the outer shell; a diffuser disposed on an outer surfaceof the helmet body, the diffuser comprising a front surface facing awayfrom an inside of the helmet body and a rear surface opposite the frontsurface, the rear surface comprising an illumination surface, and thediffuser defining a footprint projected from the diffuser toward theinside of the helmet body; and a light source disposed on the helmetbody outside the footprint of the diffuser, the light source configuredto emit light toward the illumination surface of the diffuser.
 11. Theilluminable helmet assembly of claim 10, wherein the light source isplaced in at least one cavity of the helmet body and the diffuser ispositioned to cover the at least one cavity.
 12. The illuminable helmetassembly of claim 10, wherein the light source is positioned at an anglewith respect to the illumination surface of from 3 to 20 degrees. 13.The illuminable helmet assembly of claim 10, wherein the light sourcecomprises at least one of a light-emitting diode and an incandescentlight.
 14. A method of assembling an illuminable helmet assembly,comprising: providing a helmet body including at least one cavityrecessed into an outer surface of the helmet body, a diffuser includinga front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and alight source; coupling a diffuser to the outer surface of the helmetbody such that the front surface of the diffuser faces outward, awayfrom the helmet body and an illumination surface on the rear surface ofthe diffuser faces the at least one cavity of the helmet body, whereinthe illumination surface comprises an outer perimeter and defines afootprint of the illumination surface extending inward from theillumination surface to a center of the helmet body; and positioning thelight source adjacent to and outside of the outer perimeter and thefootprint of the illumination surface and to emit light toward theillumination surface on the rear surface of the diffuser at an acuteangle to the illumination surface.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinpositioning the light source comprises placing the light source in theat least one cavity.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprisingcovering a majority of the illumination surface with a top shell,wherein a portion of the top shell covering the illumination surface istranslucent.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the lightsource comprises positioning the light source to emit the light at anangle with respect to the illumination surface of from 3 to 20 degrees.18. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the light sourcecomprises positioning the light source to emit at least a portion of thelight into an edge surface of the diffuser, wherein the diffuser is awave guide comprising the front surface and the rear surface, and theedge surface extends between the front surface and the rear surface. 19.The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the light source comprisespositioning at least one of a light-emitting diode and an incandescentlight adjacent to and outside of the outer perimeter and the footprintof the illumination surface and to emit light toward the illuminationsurface on the rear surface of the diffuser at an acute angle to theillumination surface.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprisingelectrically coupling a light sensor to the light source, wherein thelight source is configured to be turned on when the light sensor detectsambient light of the helmet body falls below a first predeterminedlevel, and is configured to be turned off when the light sensor detectsthe ambient light exceeds a second predetermined level.